PRESS STATEMENT ON RECENT DEATH SENTENCES

High Court passes death sentences on Sampson and Molefe

DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights wishes to express its serious concern that Botswana continues to retain the death penalty as a punishment for the crime of murder. The most recent death sentences were passed on Kgotso Brandon Sampson (a Botswana citizen) and Michael Molefe (a South African citizen) by Justice Dibotelo in the Lobatse High Court on Friday 7 March 2008. They were found guilty of the murders of Robert Ncube and Sam Hombarume (Zimbabwean citizens).

The sentencing of the two men comes at a time when Botswana is due to appear before the United Nations Human Rights Committee which is examining Botswana’s implementation record of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The retention of the death penalty in Botswana’s laws runs contrary to the essence of the Covenant. While it does not directly call for the abolition of the death penalty, it nevertheless draws attention to the desirability of abolishing it.

Those who support the use of the death penalty justify it on the grounds that it prevents murders being committed. However, in spite of the use of the death penalty in Botswana since independence in 1966, there has been no clear indication of a decline in the crime of murder. Instead, according to media reports, there appears to be an increase in the frequency of the committing of murder.

DITSHWANELO respects the right to life and condemns all forms of murder, whether perpetrated by individuals or by The State, under the pretext of punishment.  In a liberal democracy, such as Botswana, which is committed to equal treatment under the law, the death penalty is neither reasonable nor justifiable.

The death penalty is a short-term reaction to the symptoms of the social and economic difficulties faced by our society. There tends to be a link between the breakdown of social networks and structures and the increase in crime. It is only through comprehensive investment towards social and economic justice that the question of crime can begin to be fundamentally addressed.

DITSHWANELO, once again, calls upon the Government of Botswana to abolish the death penalty in accordance with internationally agreed human rights standards which prohibit all forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.  We call upon our leaders to adopt a visionary approach to dealing with the social ills, crime and poverty which continue to affect our society.

Gaborone
10 March 2008